Part 30 (2/2)
He kissed her thoroughly, then with a c.o.c.ky nod of satisfaction he turned back to the waiting crowd. ”Well?” he bellowed.
Not a soul raised an objection.
A beaming Adam nodded to the priest, who bade them kneel. Then Gwenyth and Adam promised, for the third and final time, to cleave only to each other, forever. When the priest asked if they wished to exchange rings, Gwenyth glanced at her finger where her mother's ring still rested.
She looked in Adam's eyes. ”Once I promised you my loyalty for a year and a day. Today I promise that and more. Forever.”
His eyes shone bright, and she could swear his hand trembled as he waved to Seamus, who stepped forward and placed another ring in the priest's outstretched palm. He blessed it, then gave it to Gwenyth. There in her hand lay a replica of her mother's circlet, large enough for Adam.
Tears stung her eyes as she fixed it on his finger and watched him push it into place while the priest reminded them, ”The ring is a sign of G.o.d's eternal, never-ending love. 'Tis a circle of honor, and it symbolizes a love that even death cannot destroy. G.o.d bless you both.”
Gwenyth didn't hear the resta”couldn't hear or see anything or anyone but the man she loved and trusted, with all her heart.
At the end of the ceremony, they rose to their feet and Adam escorted her to stand beside Seamus, whose bemused look mirrored Gwenyth's own fluttering emotions.
Adam moved back to kneel once again before the priest. His voice was strong as he made his pledge to Clan Chattan. ”I will uphold and defend my clan with my honor and my life, so help me G.o.d.”
And then it was over, and they were surrounded by everyone wis.h.i.+ng them well. Emotions ran high, and Gwenyth saw Eva wipe her eyes. Propelled away from her by back-slapping clansmen, Adam nevertheless managed to make eye contact with her. He smiled and winked and said, ”Later.”
LONG AFTER MIDNIGHT, the sounds of celebration drifted from the bailey to the huge bed in Adam's chamber. Later had finally come, when trust and need overcame reluctance and two had become one.
Gwenyth pulled away from Adam's embrace and chuckled at the evident look of disappointment on his face. Certain of herself, certain of the man she held in her arms, Gwenyth had gladly surrendered heart, soul, and body to her husband. Adam's gentle patience had dimmed the distant memories of Leod's cruelty. She did not fear the future, for Adam would never betray her.
”Tell me about this tapestry you made for my wedding gift. 'Tis beautifula”Daniel in the lion's den, isn't it?”
”I made it to remind me of all that you've taught me, beloved. But none of it would matter had you not reminded me of the most important thing of all.”
”And what is that?” Adam asked.
”Victory always belongs to those who do G.o.d's will. No matter how difficult the situation, you must trust G.o.d.”
”Aye, sometimes it is hard to know his will, or knowing it, to obey. But it has turned out well for us.”
His bemused gaze turned most definitely hungry, his grin roguish. ”This last lesson will take many sessions. It can't all be taught at once.”
”Then pray we have many years to continue my education.”
He pulled her into his arms. ”Is this the same woman who so reluctantly accepted my attentions until now?”
”Nay,” she whispered. ”That woman was a hurting creature who knew nothing of the power of love to heal.”
As his head bent to seal their love with a kiss, he murmured, ”To everything there is a season . . .”
end.
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